Designed by John A. Roebling, who had also completed the 1845 Allegheny Aqueduct for the Pennsylvania Canal which crossed the Allegheny River near 11th St, and the 1846 suspension bridge which replaced the burned Monongahela Bridge at Smithfield St.

The elevation drawing is simplified to display on screen. Photos indicate twice as many wires and panels.

Sixth St was formerly St. Clair St in Pittsburgh; it aligns with Federal St (formerly Franklin Rd which connected to the Venango Path) in the former city of Allegheny (Northside).